Arizona Wildcats hurdler Sage Watson runs 'best race of her life,' wins NCAA title

Arizona Wildcats senior Sage Watson won the 400-meter hurdles title Saturday in Eugene, Oregon, posting a personal-best time of 54.52 seconds. 

Watson’s victory comes about a month after she won the Pac-12 championship in the 400 hurdles with a time of 55.01 seconds. Saturday’s mark is the eighth-best time in the world. 

“Sage completed an undefeated season collegiate season with the best race of her life,” UA coach Fred Harvey said. Harvey called her “one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever had the pleasure to coach.” 

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Watson is the first Wildcat to win the event since Robin Marks in 1981, and the first UA woman to win a national title in track since Brigetta Barrett won the high jump in 2013.

Saturday’s win automatically makes Watson a first-team All-American. The Meidcine Hat, Alberta native took part in last summer’s Olympics, representing Canada. Watson transferred to the UA in 2015 after spending two years at Florida State. She finished third in the 400 hurdles in last year’s NCAA championships.